BIKES4US

The 2009 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle. All muscle, no fat...?

Decades ago, the Ducati 851 used to have the word ‘Superbike’ emblazoned across its flanks. Just so that you wouldn’t miss the fact that it was a… superbike! A bit like putting a bunch of prancing horse stickers on your Ferrari F430, we suppose, but what the heck.

Anyway, Harley-Davidson have just launched the 2009 VRSCF V-Rod muscle-bike and they are, of course, calling it the VRSCF V-Rod Muscle. That’s one trick the Japanese missed out on. Yamaha V-Max Muscle and Suzuki B-King Muscle, anyone?

‘With sculpted bodywork stretched taut over a powerful new physique, the 2009 VRSCF V-Rod Muscle rides its way on to the power cruiser scene with a broad-shouldered presence. Gaping air scoops, sweeping side-pipe exhaust and a huge rear tire spinning under a clean, clipped fender speak to a contemporary, urban sense of style and performance,’ says a Harley press release.

We have to admit, the V-Rod Muscle looks good...

The V-Rod Muscle is fitted with a 1250cc, DOHC, 8-valve ‘Revolution’ v-twin that’s liquid-cooled and fuel-injected. This engine, which is rubber-mounted on a hydroformed steel perimeter frame, is mated to a five-speed gearbox. Power output is 122bhp at 8,250rpm and 110Nm of torque at 7,000rpm, so straight-line performance should be quite all right. And the bike looks so cool, who cares if it can't carve corners like an R1...

The V-Rod Muscle rides on 19-inch (front) and 18-inch (rear) cast-aluminium wheels, suspension is 43mm USD front fork and twin rear shocks, and brakes are Brembo units. Harley’s Smart Security system and anti-lock brakes (ABS) are optional.

For pricing and other details, visit the Harley-Davidson website here

And here's supermodel Marisa Miller, who speaks about her recentl shoot for an upcoming ad campaign for the Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle!